There are several sources of information on this bayonet; Albert N. Hardin, The American Bayonet 1776 – 1964, Rollin V. Davis, Sword Bayonets 1847 – 1865, George D. Moller, American Military Shoulder Arms – Volume III, and Richard A Berglund, The S.A.B.C. Journal, Volume 54, Winter 2005.

With the adoption of the new Model 1855 arms, authority was given to update the current stores of arms to the new standards.  The addition of sword bayonets was one of these standards.  Harper’s Ferry was charged with the task of developing a sword bayonet to update the Model 1841 Rifle which was originally designed to not have a bayonet.  In July 1854, two different bayonets were adopted.  Due to the excessive work required in adapting existing rifles to a stud and guide bayonet, the so called “ring bayonet” was chosen to be made for rifles that were already made (Type I).  New rifles were to be made to use a stud and guide bayonet (Type II).  1,649 Type I ring attachment bayonets were produced by Harper’s Ferry in 1855.  At least 590 rifles, possibly as many as 1,628, were modified to use them.  A memorandum made by Chief of Ordnance Colonel Craig on April 27, 1855, stated that 1,128 rifles had been altered or made with “ring bayonets” and another 500 rifles were in the process of being fitted with these bayonets.  The memorandum also stated that all rifles hereafter to be prepared with stud attachment.  The ring attachment bayonet was found to be to complex, fragile and costly, all possible reasons so few rifles were fitted to this bayonet.

Richard A. Berglund states that there are two known examples of Ring Attachment Bayonets with a C guard and provides a picture of one.

There is very little written information about this bayonet.  Based on observed examples it is clearly less common than the S guard bayonets but examples can be found.  How many were made?  Was it produced before, after or concurrently with the S guard variation?  Why two models on such a short lived production?